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Learn How to Get the Best Security Guard Education

Learn about security guard education and job opportunities.

security guard talking on walkie talkie outside front gate

Security Guards Protect People Like You

Security guards and surveillance officers protect property, maintain security, and enforce regulations and standards of conduct.

As a security guard, you may work in banks, hotels, hospitals, retail stores, restaurants, bars and schools, or for building-management companies and governments. Gaming surveillance officers work exclusively in casinos and other legal gaming facilities.

You will greatly benefit from earning a degree in criminal justice or security management if you aspire to any of the higher-paying jobs. While some people can get jobs without a formal degree, a security guard education is preferred by many of the top security firms.

Education Paths

While there are no academic requirements to become a security guard, a 2-year associate’s degree program or a 1-to-2 semester certificate program in a criminal justice-related area is helpful if you want to be a security guard or surveillance officer, or be promoted to a managerial position.

And you’ll have an easier time finding a job with some formal security guard education.

Here are just some of the types of education a security guard may undertake:

  • Surveillance officers receive schooling in a casino-like atmosphere using surveillance camera equipment.
  • Armed guards receive formal schooling in areas such as weapons retention (keeping your weapon safe during a physical attack), self defense, and the laws covering the use of force.
  • Security guards employed by the federal government must have some experience in the occupation, pass a written examination, and pass firearms and first aid tests to be certified by the U.S. General Services Administration.

Security Guard Certification and Licensing

Most states require that security guards be licensed. Requirements vary widely but in most states, applicants must be at least 18 years old, pass a background check and a drug test, and complete security guard classes in such subjects as property rights, emergency procedures, and detention of suspected criminals.

Median Annual Salary

Security Guards

National data

Median Salary: $34,750

Projected job growth: -1.3%

10th Percentile: $24,020

25th Percentile: $28,860

75th Percentile: $39,440

90th Percentile: $51,350

Projected job growth: -1.3%

State data

State Median Salary Bottom 10% Top 10%
Alabama $26,000 $18,090 $39,120
Alaska $40,530 $30,180 $60,730
Arizona $31,850 $28,140 $45,890
Arkansas $28,560 $23,090 $44,050
California $36,200 $31,150 $47,130
Colorado $36,400 $28,770 $47,830
Connecticut $35,270 $28,460 $48,160
Delaware $31,740 $24,000 $46,420
District of Columbia $56,200 $37,070 $74,260
Florida $29,280 $22,820 $39,460
Georgia $28,920 $21,830 $50,220
Hawaii $35,230 $28,090 $49,160
Idaho $33,550 $23,500 $74,140
Illinois $35,510 $28,390 $50,920
Indiana $30,910 $23,020 $51,220
Iowa $32,880 $22,300 $60,400
Kansas $30,360 $23,390 $45,300
Kentucky $28,750 $21,250 $42,150
Louisiana $28,510 $18,680 $49,650
Maine $36,010 $29,300 $45,060
Maryland $37,090 $28,870 $71,670
Massachusetts $37,460 $31,070 $51,870
Michigan $31,250 $21,670 $47,860
Minnesota $36,860 $27,300 $48,740
Mississippi $24,980 $18,690 $40,070
Missouri $33,280 $25,940 $62,940
Montana $29,230 $24,500 $41,870
Nebraska $30,450 $23,730 $53,440
Nevada $29,910 $20,470 $43,090
New Hampshire $36,880 $27,690 $47,960
New Jersey $35,200 $28,010 $51,570
New Mexico $29,100 $23,920 $43,460
New York $36,800 $30,310 $57,160
North Carolina $28,920 $22,600 $45,530
North Dakota $34,530 $25,490 $48,160
Ohio $29,560 $22,250 $59,500
Oklahoma $28,250 $21,340 $48,990
Oregon $34,770 $29,740 $48,550
Pennsylvania $30,390 $23,150 $47,270
Rhode Island $35,150 $29,100 $44,660
South Carolina $28,200 $21,440 $39,180
South Dakota $30,750 $24,850 $42,870
Tennessee $29,130 $22,400 $57,140
Texas $29,330 $22,410 $47,310
Utah $31,180 $25,030 $49,530
Vermont $37,000 $28,730 $47,340
Virginia $36,120 $27,730 $62,630
Washington $38,650 $32,520 $58,240
West Virginia $22,110 $18,200 $34,530
Wisconsin $31,720 $23,000 $47,450
Wyoming $31,410 $26,400 $44,260

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2022 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.